Are you ready for a versatile sketch?  We have just the ticket in today’s The Paper Players Challenge.  Since I was in need of a “thinking of you” card, I pulled out Stampin’ Up!’s Just Thinking single stamp.  This image is perfect for heat embossing, don’t you think?

The Stampin’ Schach Design Tips:  Easy Elegance
This finished card measures 5-1/2″ wide by 4-1/4″ long.

• Diagonal delight! Stampin’ Up!’s Diagonal Plate is perfect for creating a diamond embossed background.  Easy and elegant!  I score at every inch to get this look.

• Doubly delicious!  What could be more elegant than a single Cherry Cobbler Seam Binding bow?  A double one, of course! 

• And making them is so easy if you follow the tutorial found in this video.  
• Just “pearl-fect”!  A few Basic Pearls added to this image adds elegance in an instance.

So what makes an elegant card?  Color for one thing.  Very Vanilla, Cherry Cobbler, and Basic Black are logical choices.  Think black tie and tails, with red roses.  Jewels are another item which adds an elegant touch.  Just like the belle of the ball dons diamonds and pearls, elegant cards look fabulous when bejeweled! And what about the drama of a double bow?  But when all is said and done, its difficult to create an elegant card with a cute or whimsical image.  Let your image set the tone of the card, and you are automatically started down the right path. 

As always, your comments are important to me, and I do read each and every one.  So please, won’t you let me know what you think of today’s card? And as always, if you ever have any questions about the cards I create or the techniques I use, I am only an email away! Until next time…

Stamp Set:  Just Thinking;  Inks:  VersaMark;  Designer Series Paper:  First Edition; Card Stock:  Basic Black, Cherry Cobbler, Very Vanilla;  Tools:  Heat Tool, Black Stampin’ Emboss Powder, Big Shot, Window Frame Framelits; Glitz and Glam:  Cherry Cobbler Seam Binding, Basic Pearls

This month Stampin’ Up! launched Paper Pumpkin, a monthly kit program.  Stampin’ Up! has done the designing, cutting, and measuring for us, and most projects can be completed in just 30 minutes.  The kits are described as being perfect for both beginners or seasoned stampers. 

Now, you have to understand that I taught science for 34 years…chemistry, physics, anatomy, and biology.  I was anxious to test both the time and the beginner statement for validity.  So I searched my home for a suitable subject.  Since none of the dogs have opposable thumbs, that left my husband.  He definitely fits the criteria of a beginning stamper.  So I sat him down at the dining room table, with only the directions contained with the kit, and left him to his own devices.  My final words were “Make this!” as I handed him the box.   Here is his card:

I was impressed with how straight he stamped the sentiment!  And he completed it in 14 minutes.  I will say that he was quite proud of himself, and wanted to stamp a second one.

To see what a seasoned stamper could do, I selected myself.  I did not want to overdo it, and I wanted to use only a few extra, inexpensive items.  Here is my version, which took less than 20 minutes.  How many differences do you see?

 

• The power of three!  I snipped the Old Olive Scallop Trim Sticker down to 3 scallops, and added Pearls.

• Feeling faint!  When it comes to Waterspots, stamp off the Waterspots once before stamping on the card.  And don’t be afraid to add a few more here and there.
• Snippets!  A snippet of Old Olive Striped Organdy Ribbon adds a little pizzazz to the Daffodil Delight Paper Banner Sticker.

• Paper capers! Half of a Paper Doily adds interest below the banner.  And the small part that was snipped off on the side graces the little pre-cut Old Olive Circle Sticker.

• Stamp out nudity! Say “No” to naked buttons! Add a little Baker’s Twine and form a bow.

I would love to have you join me each month as I host a Paper Pumpkin Party! If you select me as your demonstrator when you subscribe to Paper Pumpkin, I will provide you with instructions for creating your own inexpensive “stepped-up” version!
Sign up today by visiting www.mypaperpumpkin.com and click “Get It”.  Beginning in March,  a new project will arrive at your door each month.

Please Note:  If you are currently my customer OR if you would like to be, please be sure to choose me as your demonstrator (Ann Schach, zip code 52655) near the end of the subscription process.  Once you have completed your subscription order, please email me to let me know you have subscribed.  That way I can make certain that you receive instructions for your stepped-up version each month. 

If you have already subscribed, and did not add me as your demonstrator, but would like to, simply go to the My Paper Pumpkin website, sign in, and update your demonstrator to Ann Schach, 52655. 

I am so looking forward to receiving your email that you subscribed and selected me as your demo.  I can’t wait to share the stepped-up versions with you…and to see what you came up with, too! Until next time…

 

Extra supplies for the stepped-up version include:  Paper Doilies (129399, $2.95),  Basic Pearls (119247, $4.95), Whisper White Baker’s Twine (124262, $2.95), Old Olive 3/8″ Striped Organdy Ribbon (129291, $9.95)

Don’t you just love cute, little cards?  I must admit that I am a pushover for the “adorable factor”! And I think that today’s card, the third in my “Got Ten? Make Twenty” series, is a sweet lil’ thing.  Of course, part of its charm is that it can be made in the wink of an eye…and it is mailable!

(Edited on March 14th:  Still Addinktive is encouraging their readers to link up any projects that we have created using the Hearts a Flutter stamp set.  They are accepting either old or new projects.  Some challenges call this a ‘Linky Party’ or a ‘Product Blog Hop’ but they call it – Spot that Stamp Set.  I am linking the card below to their site.)

The Stampin’ Schach Design Tips:  A Card for the Busy Stamper
This finished card is 5″ wide x 3-1/2″ long, and uses Stampin’ Up!’s Note Cards.

• A trio of hearts! Hearts from Hearts a Flutter were inked in Pool Party and Primrose Petals and stamped onto Whisper White.  Cutting them out is a snap when you use the Hearts a Flutter Framelits. Ka-ching! Save money when you purchase the Hearts a Flutter Bundle!  And remember…good things come in threes!

• Banner alert! The “with Love” sentiment, from the Field Flowers set, was inked in Primrose Petals and stamped onto Whisper White.  Three pearls serve as an accent, and help to ground the sentiment banner.

• More Amore!  This gorgeous pattern, from the More Amore Specialty Designer Series Paper collection, coordinates with the Pool Party and Primrose Petals inks which were used to stamp the hearts and banners.  This gives the entire card a “pulled-together” look.

Today’s card is the third one in the “Got Ten?” series…cards designed for those times when time is at a premium.  The first card in the series was a Christmas card, followed by the second, a New Year’s card.  By the time the series is complete, you will have twenty quick and easy cards for a variety of occasions.

Take advantage of Sale-A-Bration by purchasing the key items needed to make today’s card: